Vehicle body panel mounting system

ABSTRACT

A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has panel supports, a hinge bar, a latch bar, a support bracket, fastening collars, fastening brackets, and fasteners. The panel supports are coupled to the body panel and are adapted to receive the hinge bar and the latch bar. The support bracket is attached to the vehicle chassis and is adapted to removeably receive the hinge bar. The fastening collars slideably couple to the latch bar. The fastening brackets are coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and are adapted to receive the fasteners. The fastener couples the latch bar to the vehicle chassis via the fastening collars.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No.10/804,399, filed Mar. 19, 2004, which is a divisional application ofallowed application Ser. No. 10/376,509, filed Feb. 28, 2003 now U.S.Pat. No. 6,755,460, the entire content of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle body panel mountingsystem, and in particular to a mounting system for attaching a vehiclebody panel to improve the aerodynamics and appearance of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many vehicles, particularly commercial trucks, often have exposed fueltanks, battery compartments, tool boxes, and the like. The exposed areascreate considerable airflow disturbances, thereby reducing fuel economy.As a result, it is desirable to cover the exposed areas with a bodypanel that decreases the airflow disturbances and increases fueleconomy.

There are commonly known systems that mount a body panel to a vehicle.Many of these systems, however, require a large number of attachmentpoints using only bolts or screws. This makes the removal/installationof the body panel a time consuming and labor intensive process.Furthermore, while it is often desirable to have easy access tocomponents located behind the body panel, these systems do not make itpractical to frequently open or remove the body panel to accesscomponents located behind the body panel.

Other systems of mounting a body panel to a vehicle do not have amodular design that can be adapted to many different vehicles. Forexample, some mounting systems are only designed for a left-side bodypanel. Hence, such mounting systems can not be used to mount aright-side body panel and different parts would need to be designed andmanufactured to mount a right-side body panel. Furthermore, somemounting systems are only designed for one particular size of bodypanel. Thus, there is a need for a body panel mounting system that canaccommodate a variety of body panel shapes and sizes.

Furthermore, many of the body panel mounting systems restrain thethermal expansion of the body panel and the ability of the body panel torack and slip, which can induce stress on the body panel. A vehicleoften experiences a large range of temperatures throughout its life,e.g., different seasons, different geographical regions, causing thebody panel to expand or contract accordingly. Additionally, roadconditions and the flexing of the vehicle chassis cause the body panelto rack and slip relative to the vehicle chassis. Accordingly, the bodypanel mounting systems that prevent or restrain the thermal expansion ofthe body panel and the ability of the body panel to rack and slip inducestress on the body panel and can reduce the expected lifetime of thebody panel.

Therefore, there is a need for a body panel mounting system thatdecreases airflow disturbances, eases removal/installation, providesadaptability for different vehicles, and allows for thermal expansion.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Many of the needs outlined above are addressed by the present invention.It is an object of the present invention to provide a body panelmounting system that has a minimum number of attachment points that mustbe unfastened to remove or fastened to install a body panel on avehicle, thereby decreasing the amount of time and labor required toremove/install the body panel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a body panelmounting system that has a modular design such that the same partcontent can accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of body panels, aswell as left and right sides.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a bodypanel mounting system that will allow for dimension changes in a bodypanel due to thermal expansion caused by temperature variations.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, one or morepanel supports are coupled to a vehicle body panel. A hinge bar and alatch bar are coupled to the one or more panel supports. One or moresupport brackets are coupled to the vehicle chassis and provide asupport structure for the hinge bar. The latch bar is coupled to thechassis.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or morefastening collars are slideably coupled to the latch bar. The latch baris coupled to the chassis via one or more fastening collars.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or morefastening brackets are coupled to the chassis. Fasteners are utilized tocouple the fastening collars to the chassis.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second body panelis mounted adjacent to the vehicle body panel. One or more panelsupports are coupled to the second body panel. The hinge bar and thelatch bar protrude through the panel supports coupled to the vehiclebody panel and through at least one of the panel supports coupled to thesecond body panel.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more elasticstraps couple at least one panel support coupled to the vehicle bodypanel to at least one panel support coupled to the second body panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a portion of a vehicle chassis incorporating a bodypanel mounting system, including a vehicle body panel, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a body panel mounting system in accordance with theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the vehicle body panel isremoved;

FIG. 2 is an interior view of the vehicle body panel of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a support bracket mounted to a fuel tanksupport in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates in greater detail a fastening bracket and lowerconnection in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A illustrates in greater detail a panel support in accordance withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hatch-bar opening or alatch-bar opening of a panel support in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate in greater detail a fastening collar inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7 illustrates in greater detail a spacer in accordance with theembodiment shown in FIG. A;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a panel support and spacercoupled to a hinge bar or a latch bar in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a truck incorporating a vehicle bodypanel mounting system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial side view of a truck incorporating avehicle body panel mounting system to mount a vehicle body paneladjacent to a second body panel in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an interior view of the second body panel of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 illustrates the vehicle body panel mounting system of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10, wherein the second body panel and thevehicle body panel are transparent to better illustrate the supportstructure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are usedto designate like elements throughout the various views, a firstembodiment as well as other possible embodiments and modifications arefurther described.

For illustrative purposes only, the following discussion illustrates anddiscusses the present invention in reference to an embodiment in whichthe present invention is utilized to mount a body panel to a portion ofa truck. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate thatthe present invention may be utilized to mount many objects in manydifferent environments. For example, an embodiment of the presentinvention may be utilized to mount wall sections, art, decorativeobjects, cabinets, shelves, boards, and the like. Furthermore, the itemsmounted may be mounted to walls, frames, cars, campers, houses, sheds,and the like.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a vehicle chassis 110 incorporating a bodypanel mounting system 112 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein FIG. 1A illustrates the vehicle body panel 114(transparent for ease of viewing structure of mounting system) installedand FIG. 1B illustrates the vehicle body panel 114 removed. Forillustrative purposes only, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the vehicle body panel 114 is removablyfastened to a fuel tank 116. One of ordinary skill in the art, however,will appreciate that the present invention may be utilized to mount avehicle body panel to other objects in a variety of configurations, suchas a tool box, a storage box, a truck chassis, and the like.Accordingly, the body panel mounting system 112 illustrated in FIGS. 1Aand 1B comprises three panel supports 118, a hinge bar 120, two supportbrackets 122, a latch bar 124, two fastening collars 126, two fasteningbrackets 128, two j-hook bolts 130, two spacers 132, and two clamps 134.

FIG. 2 illustrates an interior view of the vehicle body panel 114 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B to better illustrate portions of the body panel mountingsystem 112 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, as will be described in greater detailbelow, the body panel mounting system 112 generally uses a hinge andlatch combination to removably fasten a vehicle body panel 114 to thevehicle chassis 110. One or more panel supports 118 are coupled to thevehicle body panel 114, and the hinge bar 120 is coupled to the panelsupports 118. Additionally, one or more support brackets 122 are coupledto a section of the vehicle chassis 110, such as the fuel tank supportbracket 140 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thus, the hinge bar 120may be set upon the support brackets 122, providing a structure by whichthe vehicle body panel 114 may be supported while being positioned andsecured.

Furthermore, the latch bar 124 is coupled to the panel supports 118, andone or more fastening collars 126 are slideably coupled to the latch bar124. One or more fastening brackets 128 are coupled to a portion of thechassis 110, such as the fuel tank support bracket 140 via a fasteningbracket 142 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The latch bar 124 isremovably fastened to the fastening brackets 128 via the j-hook bolts130 and one or more fastening collars 126. Accordingly, the vehicle bodypanel 114 may be easily positioned, secured, and removed to allow accessto components located behind the vehicle body panel, such as a battery,a fuel tank, a storage compartment, or the like. Furthermore, a truckmanufacturer often varies the components contained behind the vehiclebody panel, depending on the intended function of the vehicle. With theflexibility of attachment locations for the hinge bar 120 and thefastening collars 126, the present invention adapts to varying locationsfor the support brackets 122 and the fastening brackets 128. Thus, themanufacturer can easily vary the bracket locations to accommodatedifferent component combinations and configurations behind the vehiclebody panel 114 without changing the part content of the body panelmounting system 112 that retains the vehicle body panel 114.Additionally, truck manufacturers often produce a variety of truckconfigurations having different sleeper cab sizes (i.e., differentlengths and heights), which require various vehicle body panel lengthsto match. Because the vehicle body panel mounting system 112 is modular,the present invention can accommodate sleeper cab length variationsusing the same part content.

Referring to the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 of FIGS. 1A, 1B,and 2, the hinge bar and the latch bar are preferably hollow metal barsformed by extrusion, having a uniform, circular cross-section alongtheir longitudinal extent. Preferably, the hinge bar 120 and the latchbar 124 are identical to reduce manufacturing costs and easeinstallation. Furthermore, by having a uniform cross-section, each barmay be cut to the desired length to accommodate a variety of body panellengths. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hingebar 120 and the latch bar 124 may be manufactured from variousmaterials, such as aluminum alloys, steel, titanium alloys, thermalplastics, polymers, composites, and the like, and by various methods,such as machining, molding, forging, and the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates in greater detail an exploded view of the supportbracket 122 of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Preferably, each support bracket 122 has a generallyU-shaped portion and is mounted such that the U-shaped portion opensupward. Furthermore, the support bracket 122 preferably has a portionfor securing the support bracket 122 to the vehicle chassis 110. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3, the support bracket 122is adapted for mounting to a fuel tank support bracket 140 via bolts310, washers 312, and nuts 314, wherein the fuel tank support bracket140 is coupled to the chassis 110. Alternatively, the support brackets122 may be coupled to other structures, such as the vehicle frameitself, a tool box, a battery compartment, a storage box, or the like.Similarly, the support brackets 122 may be coupled via other means, suchas epoxy, welding, screws, rivets, and the like.

Each support bracket 122 is preferably manufactured of aluminum viastandard die-cast methods. The support brackets 122, however, may bemanufactured of other materials, such as aluminum alloys, steel,titanium alloys, thermal plastics, polymers, composites, and the like,and by other manufacturing techniques, such as machining, extrusion,welding, forging, and the like.

Furthermore, a wear pad 312 is preferably coupled to each supportbracket 122 at the location that the hinge bar 120 rests upon thesupport bracket 122, i.e., the U-shaped portion. The wear pad 312provides a surface upon which the hinge bar 120 can rest, reducing thevibration between the hinge bar 120 and the support brackets 122.Preferably, the wear pads 312 are affixed to the support brackets 122via a self-restraining mechanism due to the unique shape of the wearpad. Alternatively, the wear pads 312 may be affixed to the supportbrackets 122 via an adhesive, screws, rivets, bolts, or the like. Thewear pads 312 are preferably manufactured of polymeric material viainjection molding. Preferably, the manner in which the wear pad 312 isaffixed to the support bracket 122 accommodates replacement of the wearpad 312 due to normal wear and tear.

FIG. 4 illustrates in greater detail the fastening brackets 128 of FIGS.1A and 1B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Generally, the fastening brackets provide a wear plate and bracketmechanism for providing a wear plate interface between the fasteningcollar 126 and the chassis and for removeably coupling the latch bar 124to the chassis. Accordingly, as shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the fastening brackets 128 preferably comprise a contouredportion 410 and a raised portion 412. The contoured portion 410 isshaped such that it provides a support area in which the fasteningbracket 128 may be coupled to the chassis and provides a wear plateinterface upon which the fastening collar 126 may contact the fasteningbracket 128. Accordingly, the contoured portion 410 of the fasteningbracket 128 is shaped to fit the contours of the fuel tank strap 142,wherein the fuel tank strap 142, in turn, is secured to the chassis.Preferably, the fastening brackets 128 are coupled to the vehiclechassis 110, e.g., the fuel tank support strap 142, via welds, epoxy,bolts, screws, or the like.

The raised portion 412 of the fastening bracket 128 preferably comprisesone or more attachment points, such as holes, slots, or the like,through which a fastener may be removeably secured. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the raised portion 412 includes a hole throughwhich the j-hook bolts 130 may be removeably secured. Accordingly, asillustrated in greater detail below in FIGS. 6A-6C, the j-hook bolts 130couple the latch bar 124 to the vehicle chassis 110 via the fasteningbrackets 128 and fastening collars 126.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate in greater detail the panel support 118 ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates the panel support 118 andFIG. 5B illustrates a preferred cross-sectional view of a support hole.Preferably, all of the panel supports 118 are identical to reducemanufacturing costs and to increase the flexibility in positioning. Eachpanel support 118 generally has a contoured upper portion 510, a middleportion 512, and a contoured lower portion 514. The vehicle body panel114 rests against the contoured upper portion 510 and the contouredlower portion 514, both of which are shaped to approximate the contourof the vehicle body panel 114. Preferably, the contoured upper portion510 and the contoured lower portion 514 of each panel support 118 isadhesively bonded to the vehicle body panel 114 via mechanical orsolvent bonding techniques. Alternatively, the size of the contouredportions of the panel support 118 may be greater or lesser, depending onthe size of the vehicle body panel 110 and the intended application. Forexample, some situations may require that the adhesive be applied to theentire length of the panel support 118, requiring the entire length ofthe panel support to roughly conform to the shape of the vehicle bodypanel. Other configurations, however, may use smaller and/or lightercomponents, requiring a relatively smaller area to which an adhesivemust be applied.

Furthermore, each panel support 118 includes a hinge-bar support hole516 and a latch-bar support hole 518 at approximately longitudinallyopposing ends of the panel support 118. Preferably, each of thehinge-bar support hole 516 and the latch-bar support hole 518 generallyconforms in shape to the cross-section of the hinge bar 120 and thelatch bar 124, respectively. Furthermore, the size of the hinge-barsupport hole 516 and the latch-bar support hole 518 are of a sizesufficient to allow the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 to passtherethrough, respectively. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, theinterior surface of the hinge-bar support hole 516 and the latch-barsupport hole 518 are convex shaped. The convex shape of the hinge-barsupport hole 516 and the latch-bar support hole 518 allow the hinge bar120 and the latch bar 122, respectively, to slip and twist in therespective holes as the vehicle body panel expands, contracts, racks,and flexes.

Preferably, one or more finger sections 520 protrude outward from thebody of the panel support 118 and axially to the hinge-bar support hole516 and the latch-bar support hole 518. The finger sections 520preferably flare outward slightly from the opening of the hinge-barsupport hole 516 and the latch-bar support hole 516, such that thediameter of the opening created by opposing finger sections 520 isslightly larger than the respective opening of the hinge-bar supporthole 516 and the latch-bar support hole 518. As will be discussed ingreater detail below with reference to FIG. 8, the increased diameter ofthe hole formed by the finger sections 520 accommodates a spacer (notshown in FIG. 5, reference numeral 132 in FIG. 8) for longitudinallysecuring the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 to the panel supports118.

Preferably, each panel support 118 comprises a fastening knob 522 onlongitudinally opposing ends (only one fastening knob 522 is shown inFIG. 5). Each of the fastening knobs 522 is preferably a raised,elongated knob that is extended from the main body of the panel support118 by a short, narrow supporting stub. The fastening knob 522 isgenerally larger than the supporting stub, such that a loop placed overthe fastening knob will be prevented from becoming dislodged by theenlarged size of the fastening knob as compared to the supporting stub.The fastening knob is discussed in greater detail below in reference toFIG. 12.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate in greater detail the fastening collars 126 ofFIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thefastening collars 126 have a generally triangular cross-section withrounded corners and contain a bar hole 610 and a fastening hole 612.Preferably, the bar hole 610 generally conforms in shape to thecross-section of the latch bar 124, and the size of the bar hole 610 issufficient to allow the latch bar 124 to pass therethrough, preferablywith a minimum amount of movement or play within the bar hole 610. Thefastening hole 612 generally conforms in shape to the cross-section ofthe j-hook bolt 130, and the size of the fastening hole 612 issufficient to allow the j-hook bolt 130 to pass therethrough, preferablywith a minimum amount of movement or play within the fastening hole 612.

Thus, the latch bar 124 is placed through the bar hole 610 of thefastening collar 126, thus slideably coupling the latch bar 124 to thefastening collar 126. After the vehicle body panel is positioned, thefastening collars 126 are positioned to align with the fasteningbrackets 128, as indicated by the arrow 614 of FIG. 6B. The j-hook bolts130 can then be passed through the corresponding fastening holes 612 tocouple the fastening collars 126 to the fastening brackets 128, therebysecuring the vehicle body panel as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C.Preferably, a spring 618 is utilized to reduce the tension on thevehicle body panel 114 and to allow for movement due to vibrations,temperature changes, and the like. The spring 618 maintains a relativelyconstant pressure against the hinge bar 120 to maintain the hinge bar120 in contact with the support bracket 122, reducing the vibrationbetween the hinge bar 120 and the support bracket 122. Preferably, thespring 618 is an elongated rubber washer manufactured of polymericmaterial, preferably EPDM rubber, via an injection molding or extrusionprocess. Alternatively, other types of springs, such as a metal springand the like, may be used.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the fastening collars126 preferably contain a wear surface 616 on opposing faces of thefastening collars 126. The wear surface 616 provides a wear padinterface, i.e., a point of contact, wherein the vehicle body panel andthe support structure is provided a secure positional support.

FIG. 7 illustrates in greater detail the spacer 132 of FIG. 1A inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, thespacer 132 has a generally ring-shaped cross-section with a wedgeportion 710 and an outer portion 712. The shape of the ring-shapedcross-section of the spacer 132 generally conforms to the cross-sectionof the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124. The inner dimensions of thering-shaped cross-section of the spacer 132 are sufficient to allow thehinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 to pass therethrough, preferablywith a minimum amount of movement or play within the spacer 132. Theouter dimension of the wedge portion 710 increases steadily from theedge 716 to the transition from wedge portion 710 to outer portion 712.The outer diameter of the outer portion 712 is generally constant and ofa diameter greater than the greatest diameter of the wedge portion 710.

Furthermore, the spacer 132 has a compression slot 714. The compressionslot 714 allows for a compression fitting to be made between the panelsupport 118, the spacer 132, and the hinge bar 120 and/or the latch bar124 by clamping or otherwise reducing the inner dimension of the spacer132. Additionally, the compression slot 714 allows the spacer to conformto variations in the sizes and shapes of the hinge bar 120, the latchbar 124, and the spacer 132 due to manufacturing tolerances andexpansion and/or contraction due to temperature variations.

FIG. 8 further illustrates the compression fitting formed between thepanel support 118, the spacer 132, and the hinge bar 120. Preferably, asimilar compression fitting is formed with the panel support 118, thespacer 132, and the latch bar 124. In the preferred embodiment, thehinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 are positioned through the hinge barsupport hole 516 and the latch bar support hole 518, respectively, ofthe panel support 118. The spacers 132 are slid around the hinge bar 120and the latch bar 124 such that the wedge portion 710 of the spacer 132is on a proximate side of the panel support 118. The wedge portion 710wedges between the finger sections 520 (FIG. 5) of the panel support 118and the hinge bar 120 and/or the latch bar 124. Preferably, a clamp (notshown) is utilized to form a compression fitting between the panelsupport 118 and the hinge bar 120 and/or the latch bar 124,longitudinally securing the hinge bar 120 and/or the latch bar 124relative to the panel support 118 and the vehicle body panel 114.Alternatively, a set screw, a clip, a latching mechanism, adhesive, orthe like may be used to longitudinally secure the hinge bar 120 and thelatch bar 124 to the panel support 118.

Preferably, the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 are coupled to onlyone panel support 118 to maximize the amount of rack and slip thevehicle body panel 114 has with respect to the vehicle chassis. Inparticular, by coupling the hinge bar 120 to only one panel support 118,the hinge bar 120 is allowed to slip and twist relative to the otherpanel supports 118, thereby allowing the vehicle body panel to expand,contract, rack, and flex with a minimal amount of stress on the vehiclebody panel. Similarly, it is preferred that the latch bar 124 is coupledto only one panel support 118, as well.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the preferredembodiment described above utilizes soft connections. Soft connectionsare connections that do not utilize metal-on-metal contact points toreduce the vibration noise between components. Rather, contact pointsare preferably non-metallic material-on-metal. For example, the contactpoint between the hinge bar 120, which is preferably aluminum, and thesupport bracket 122, which is also preferably aluminum, is separated bythe wear pad 312, which is preferably of a polymeric material.Additionally, the contact points between the hinge bar 120, which ispreferably aluminum, and the panel support 118, which is preferably anon-metallic material, and between the latch bar 124, which ispreferably aluminum, and the panel support 118 are soft connections. Thecontact points between the latch bar 124 and the fastening collars 126and between the fastening collars 126 and the fastening brackets 128 arealso preferably soft connections.

FIG. 9 illustrates a truck 910 incorporating the vehicle body panelmounting system 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention.The hinge bar 120 and support brackets 122 are along the top of thevehicle body panel 114. The latch bar 124, fastening collars 126, thefastening brackets 128, and j-hook bolts 130 are along the bottom of thevehicle body panel. Hence, when the j-hook bolts 130 are detached, thevehicle body panel 114 can be tilted open about the hinge bar 120 (or itcan be removed) to access components located behind the vehicle bodypanel (e.g., battery, fuel tank, storage compartment). The presentinvention thus allows the components located behind the vehicle bodypanel 114 to be more accessible and it makes serviceability of thecomponents behind the vehicle body panel 114 easier. As one of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate, the preferred embodiment describedabove contains no metal-on-metal contact areas. For example, the hingebar 120, which is preferably metal, is in contact with the supportbracket and wear pad, which are aluminum and polymeric, respectively.Additionally, the fastening collar, which is preferably polyurethane, isin contact with the fastening bracket, which is preferably metal. Thus,vibration noise is reduced.

FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle body panel 114 mounted adjacent to asecond body panel 1010 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Specifically, the vehicle body panel 114 (configured andmounted as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9) is mounted suchthat it is desired to adjacently mount a second body panel 1010, mountedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention or otherwise.Frequently, the second body panel 1010 and the vehicle body panel 114contain surface markings or other variations, such as indentations,striping, and the like, that make it desirable to accurately mount andalign the adjacent body panel 1010 with the vehicle body panel 114 suchthat the surface markings or other variations are properly aligned.Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, thesecond body panel 1010 and the vehicle body panel 114 are mounted to thevehicle chassis as described below with reference to FIGS. 11-12.

FIG. 11 illustrates the interior support structure of the second bodypanel 1010 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The second body panel 1010 is preferably configured with an adjacentpanel support 1110 coupled to the interior portion of the second bodypanel 1010 in a position corresponding to the relative position of thepanel supports 118 coupled to the vehicle body panel 114. Preferably,the adjacent panel support 1110 is identical to the panel supports 118described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9, reducing the manufacturingcosts and easing installation. Furthermore, the adjacent panel support1110 is preferably coupled to the interior portion of the second bodypanel 1010 in a manner similar to the manner the panel supports 118 arecoupled to the vehicle body panel 114.

Furthermore, the second body panel 1010 optionally comprises anoverlapping portion 1112. The overlapping portion 1112 of the secondbody panel is a recessed portion (as viewed from the exterior side),allowing the vehicle body panel 114 to be positioned overlapping thesecond body panel 1010 on the overlapping section 1112. Preferably,however, the overlapping portion 1112 of the second body panel 1010 doesnot contact the vehicle body panel 114, thereby reducing the vibrationnoise between the second body panel 1010 and the vehicle body panel 114.Alternatively, the vehicle body panel 114 may have an overlappingsection in which the second body panel overlaps, there may not be anoverlapping section, or the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates the body panel mounting system 112 illustrated inFIG. 10, wherein the second body panel 1010 and the vehicle body panel114 are transparent to better illustrate the support structure, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, thehinge bar 120 is of a length such that, when properly positioned, thehinge bar 120 extends through the hinge bar hole 516 (FIG. 5) of thepanel support 118 and the adjacent panel support 1110. Similarly, thelatch bar 124 is of a length such that, when properly positioned, thelatch bar 124 extends through the latch bar hole 518 (FIG. 5) of thepanel support 118 and the adjacent panel support 1110. By thuspositioning these components, the second body panel 1010 is aligned withthe vehicle body panel 114, and the joint is flexible to account forthermal expansion and chassis racking or flexing.

Optionally, elastic straps 1210 are positioned over the fastening knob522 of the adjacent panel support 1110 and the nearest panel support 118to provide additional positional support. Preferably, the elastic straps1210 are manufactured of polymeric material, preferably EPDM rubber viainjection molding or cast manufacturing techniques.

The embodiments described above, as well as all other embodiments of thepresent invention, may have many variations. For example, each of thecomponents of an embodiment may be made from various materials,including, but not limited to, aluminum alloys, steel, titanium alloys,thermal plastics, polymers, and composites. Also, the components may bemade using various methods, including, but not limited to, extrusion,machining, welding, molding, and forging. The hinge bar 120 and thelatch bar 124 may be any length for a given application. The number ofattachment points for the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 to thechassis 110 can vary. The hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 may behollow or solid. The hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 may have auniform cross-section along its entire longitudinal extent, or they mayhave only portions that are adapted to interlock with a support bracket122 and/or a fastening collar 126, respectively. The hinge bar 120 andthe latch bar 124 may be bent to follow the contour of a given vehiclebody panel 114. Also, the number of support brackets 122 and fasteningcollars 126 may vary. For example, a longer body panel may need moresupport brackets 122 and fastening collars 126 than a shorter body panelto support the longer body panel. The length of each support bracket 122may vary. Similarly, the number of fastening collars 126 may vary, andthe length of each fastening collar 126 may vary. The panel supports 118may or may not have the finger sections 520 (FIG. 5) for retaining thehinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124. Instead, other commonly known waysof fastening the hinge bar 120 and the latch bar 124 may beincorporated, including, but not limited to: rivets, bolts, bonding,adhesive, and welding. Furthermore, other commonly known ways offastening a vehicle body panel 114 to the panel supports 118 may beincorporated, including, but not limited to: rivets, bolts, bonding,adhesive, and welding. Therefore, a body panel mounting system 112according to the present invention can be adapted for a variety of bodypanel sizes and shapes. The orientation of a vehicle body panel 114 heldby the body panel mounting system 112 in its mounted position may varyalso (e.g., vertical, horizontal, slanted, upside down). The hinge bar120 could be on top with the latch bar 124 on bottom or vice-versa, andthe hinge bar 120 may be to the right of the latch bar 124 orvice-versa. Because body panel contours can vary, the contour of thepanel supports 118 may vary accordingly.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that this invention provides a vehicle body panelmounting system using a hinge and latch combination to fasten a bodypanel to a vehicle chassis. It should be understood that the drawingsand detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and are not intended to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, theinvention includes any further modifications, changes, rearrangements,substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit andscope of this invention, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it isintended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all suchfurther modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

1. A body panel mounting system for mounting a body panel on a vehiclehaving a chassis, comprising: a hinge bar; a latch bar; at least onepanel support adapted for attaching to the body panel, each panelsupport being adapted for receiving the hinge bar and the latch bar; atleast one support bracket adapted for attaching to the chassis and forreceiving the hinge bar; and at least one fastener adapted to couple thelatch bar to the chassis.
 2. The body panel mounting system of claim 1,wherein each fastener couples the latch bar to one or more fuel tankstraps of the vehicle.
 3. The body panel mounting system of claim 1,further comprising: at least one first spacer adapted for longitudinallysecuring the hinge bar to at least one panel support; and at least onesecond spacer adapted for longitudinally securing the latch bar to atleast one panel support.
 4. The body panel mounting system of claim 1,wherein each panel support includes at least one first finger sectionfor being compressed about the hinge bar and at least one second fingersection for being compressed about the latch bar, the body mountingsystem further comprising: at least one first spacer adapted for wedgingbetween the hinge bar and the first finger section of at least one panelsupport; at least one second spacer adapted for wedging between thelatch bar and the second finger section of at least one panel support;at least one first clamp adapted for creating a compression fittingbetween the panel support, the first spacer, and the hinge bar; and atleast one second clamp adapted for creating a compression fittingbetween the panel support, the second spacer, and the latch bar.
 5. Thebody panel mounting system of claim 4, wherein the first spacer and thesecond spacer are substantially equivalent, and the hinge bar and thelatch bar are substantially equivalent.
 6. The body panel mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein each support bracket includes a wear pad forproviding a contact area where the support bracket receives the hingebar.
 7. The body panel mounting system of claim 1, further comprising atleast one fastening collar adapted for receiving the latch bar and thefastener, wherein the fastener is adapted to couple the fastening collarto the chassis.
 8. The body panel mounting system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one fastening collar adapted for receiving the latchbar and the fastener, wherein the fastener is a j-hook bolt adapted tocouple the fastening collar to the chassis.
 9. The body panel mountingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: at least one fastening collaradapted for receiving the latch bar and the fastener, wherein thefastener couples the fastening collar to the chassis; and wherein thefastening collar is adapted for providing a wear pad interface betweenthe latch bar and the chassis.
 10. The body panel mounting system ofclaim 1, further comprising: at least one fastening collar adapted forreceiving the latch bar and the fastener; and at least one fasteningbracket adapted for coupling to the chassis and for receiving thefastener; wherein each fastening bracket has a wear pad interfaceportion adapted for providing a wear interface between the fasteningcollar and the chassis.
 11. The body panel mounting system of claim 1,wherein each panel support includes a hinge bar opening adapted forreceiving the hinge bar and a latch bar opening adapted for receivingthe latch bar, wherein the hinge bar opening and the latch bar openinghave a generally convex shape cross section.
 12. The body panel mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein the hinge bar is coupled to at most one panelsupport and the latch bar is coupled to at most one panel support.